Azmin Ali’s rebuttal to Hadi Awang’s declaration that Bersatu has automatically left Perikatan Nasional underscores the importance of due process and coalition stability. While Bersatu’s leadership has expressed openness to dialogue with Pakatan Harapan, no formal resignation or vote has been recorded within PN’s governing bodies. Declaring the party out of the coalition without a procedural vote risks undermining the legal framework that binds the alliance.
The coalition’s charter explicitly states that removal of a member requires a majority decision by the steering committee, followed by a formal announcement. Hadi’s unilateral statement bypasses this mechanism, creating a constitutional ambiguity that could be exploited by rival factions. Maintaining procedural integrity ensures that any change in membership is transparent, defensible, and less likely to trigger legal challenges.
Beyond legalities, an abrupt expulsion could destabilise the government’s parliamentary majority. Bersatu holds a substantial number of seats that are crucial for passing budgets and confidence motions. Stripping the party of its membership without a negotiated settlement could lead to a loss of votes, forcing the prime minister to seek new allies or risk a vote of no confidence.
The broader political calculus also favours keeping Bersatu within PN, at least temporarily. The party’s voter base includes rural and Malay‑centric constituencies that align with PN’s broader electoral strategy. Forcing Bersatu out could split the Malay vote, benefitting opposition parties and weakening the coalition’s long‑term electoral prospects.
A measured approach would involve convening the PN steering committee to discuss Bersatu’s intentions, allowing the party to either reaffirm its commitment to the coalition or formally withdraw. This process would give all partners a chance to negotiate terms, mitigate fallout, and preserve the coalition’s credibility.
In the coming weeks, the focus should be on a transparent internal review rather than public declarations. By adhering to established procedures, PN can demonstrate respect for democratic norms, maintain its parliamentary strength, and avoid unnecessary political turbulence ahead of the next election cycle.